I'm not even sure how to begin this post and describe this conference except to say, wow!! This was the most amazing retreat I have ever been to. Two weeks ago 450 adoptive moms (without kids or hubbies) gathered in Atlanta for a weekend to celebrate adoption, connect with each other, gather information, be encouraged, pray, and eat our way through three amazing days that were geared towards our roles as mothers to some beautiful children from around the world.
Our first big group session was kicked off Friday night with this amazing video. It only took a few seconds before the tears formed in my eyes. There were over 1,000 children represented this weekend and over 500 of those were brought home through adoption. That's amazing!!!
We had some amazing worship times each day
And just a little bit of time in between our breakout sessions to meet people and relax. These are my two roomies for the weekend. Alicia (the blonde) travelled with me. We've been friends for years and adopted together. She has a little girl from Ukraine. Amanda (the red head) is a new friend who we met this weekend and is in the process with India. She and I went to school together, but don't remember each other (it's been a few years back!). She was given a spot to the retreat by my best friend Kristi, who decided that she wasn't quite ready to adopt now that she's pregnant!! We had a blast together
Our amazing accomodations for the weekend. The Lodge on Lake Lanier. This place was gorgeous and would be breathtaking in the fall. A great anniversary destination!
I really hated that I didn't get any pictures with any of my fellow Korean mamas. I got to meet so many virtual friends who I've known throughout the past few years online. So fun! Next year, I'll have to get pictures with them.
And on our way out of town we stopped to meet this amazing family. Rylan was Neylan's roomie in Korea. These two had an amazing foster mom and have adjusted so well to their forever families. Can you tell our FM really likes to feed her babies?? It was so fun to meet them after being in contact for two years. I'm sure we'll cross paths again.
It was an amazing weekend and I can't wait to do it again next year. My passion for adoption was stirred and I have some great information on how to be a better mom in the meantime to the two blessings God has entrusted me with.
